Becky Mandelbaum

I read this book a while ago, the author had an ARC sent to me, and somehow did not post my review! So with that being said, the book was published this week and I need everyone to know if you ever wondered what it's like try to save them all you need to read this. Shelters and animal sanctuaries have little place in our world today, unfortunately, and it's one of the toughest but most rewarding jobs on earth. Becky Mandelbaum can only have written this because of life experience, coupled with the fact it is dealing with the political turmoil we are in, she did a wonderful job putting the story to paper. I will always look for anything more by this author.… (meer)

My feelings are mixed about this book. I loved the characters but struggled with an animal sanctuary owner could allow such filth to accumulate. I can’t imagine living in a home filled with the smell of cat pee. The storyline kept me going, though. When Ariel, who is estranged from her mother, Mona, who runs the sanctuary in western Kansas, discovers that the barn of her mom’s farm is burned in a hate crime, she leaves Lawrence Kansas and her boyfriend to try and help her mom. Relations are strained (as well as covered with animal hair). Her mother is resentful of Ariel leaving for college several years ago. Then when Ariel’s boyfriend shows up unannounced, things really go haywire. I enjoyed the insights about Kansas and the well-developed characters, but at the end I hope for the closure of the Bright Side Academy.… (meer)